BPSC AE Civil Paper 1 (General English) Mock Test - 2 - Civil Engineering (CE) MCQ

The correct answer is: Brittle.

Key Points

• The word "Fragile" means something that is easily broken or damaged; it refers to objects that must be handled with care to avoid breaking. (नाजुक)
  • Example: The antique vase is very fragile and needs to be handled gently.
• "Brittle" refers to a material or object that is hard but liable to break or shatter easily; it is another term that emphasizes the ease with which something can break. (भुरभुरा)
  • Example: Dry, brittle leaves crunched underfoot as we walked through the forest.
• Hence, we can infer that the most appropriate synonym for 'Fragile' is 'Brittle'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Brittle.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

• Sturdy (मजबूत): Strong and firm; not easily broken or damaged.
  • Example: The old oak tree is sturdy and has withstood many storms.
• Unkempt (अस्त-व्यस्त ): Not combed; untidy; not properly maintained; disheveled.
  • Example: He appeared at the door looking unkempt and tired.
• Intense (तीव्र): Of extreme force, degree, or strength.
  • Example: The athlete underwent intense training for the upcoming championship.

The correct answer is "in".

Key Points

• The correct phrase to be used is "absorbed in," which means to be fully engaged or engrossed in something.
• "In" is the preposition that correctly completes this phrase because it indicates the activity or thing that has one's full attention.
• The use of "in" here suggests being surrounded or encompassed by the act of studying, reflecting deep engagement.
• This expression frequently appears in contexts involving intellectual or physical activities where the subject is fully concentrated on or devoted to the activity mentioned.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 4".

Additional Information

• "To" is a preposition that indicates direction or destination. It is not used with the verb "absorbed" in this context.
• "By" is a preposition often used to indicate the agent performing an action in passive structures, which does not fit the context of someone being engaged in studies.
• "With" can indicate accompaniment or possession but does not convey the sense of engrossment or being engrossed that "in" does when used with "absorbed."

• The idiom “An axe to grind” is used when someone has a personal motive or selfish reason for being involved in something.
• It suggests that they have private, often negative, reasons for being involved in a situation or dispute.
• This phrase is often used in the context of someone pursuing a personal agenda or seeking revenge for a perceived wrong.
• Therefore, it aligns with the option ‘To have a dispute with someone’.

• Option 2) ‘Having to start all over again’ does not align with the meaning of the idiom. The idiom does not imply starting from scratch or beginning again after a setback.
• Option 3) ‘Depend on, count on’ is not suitable as the idiom “An axe to grind” does not convey reliance or dependence on someone or something.
• Option 4) ‘A mistake made in something you are trying to achieve’ is not a fit, as the idiom does not refer to errors or mistakes in one’s endeavours. It’s about having a personal motive or dispute.

• 'Out on a limb' is a common idiom used to describe a situation where someone takes a risk, ventures beyond what is safe, goes out on their own and makes themselves vulnerable.
• It originated based on the analogy of climbing a tree and walking along a limb, or large branch, where it's less stable and there's a risk of falling.
• In a broader sense, it can also apply to someone who takes a stand on an issue and is exposed or isolated, similar to being physically out on a tree limb.

• 'To be in agreement with' is not the meaning of this idiom.
• 'To admire someone very much' is irrelevant to the idiom 'out on a limb'.
• 'Do something unexpectedly' is not directly related to the idiom, though surprising actions may sometimes be risky; the core concept is risk or vulnerability.

The correct answer is "Regicide".

Key Points

• The one-word substitute for "the killing of a king" is "Regicide".
• "Regicide" refers to the act of killing a king or the killing of a reigning monarch. (राज-हत्या)
  • Example: The rebels committed regicide by assassinating the king during a grand ceremony.
• Hence, the correct answer is "Regicide".

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 4".

Additional Information

• Genocide: It refers to the killing of a whole race. (नरसंहार)
• Homicide: It refers to the killing of a human being. (मानव हत्या)
• Suicide: It refers to the killing of oneself. (आत्महत्या)

The erroneous part is 'being hindrance'.

Key Points

• In the sentence, the phrase "being hindrance" is grammatically incorrect because it lacks an article before the noun "hindrance."
• Articles (like "a" or "the") are used to specify or generalize a noun. In this case, the noun "hindrance" refers to something that is causing an obstruction or acting as an obstacle.
• When using a noun like "hindrance," it usually requires an article before it to make the sentence grammatically accurate. The corrected phrase would be "being a hindrance." Here, "a" acts as the indefinite article, indicating that the person in question was acting as one among many possible hindrances.
• So, the revised sentence would be: "Instead of being helpful, he was being a hindrance." This correction ensures grammatical accuracy by properly introducing the noun "hindrance" with the necessary article.

The correct answer is 'will leaving'.

Key Points

• The segment with the grammatical error in the sentence is "will leaving."
• In the sentence, the structure of the verb is incorrect. The sentence is trying to express a future action ("will leave"), but the verb form used is incorrect. The correct structure for the future tense with the auxiliary verb "will" should follow the pattern of "will" + base form of the verb (in this case, "leave"), without the "-ing" form.
• The corrected sentence should be: "The students will leave the school campus in no time." This structure follows the correct usage for the future tense, using "will" followed by the base form of the verb "leave" to indicate an action that will happen in the future.
  

Correct Sentence: The students will leave the school campus in no time.

The correct answer is Option 1 i.e. not to forget.

Key Points

• The underlined part "to not forget" involves the placement of "not" is incorrect.
• The correct usage is "Not to forget"
• "Not to forget" rearranges the original phrase to avoid splitting the infinitive, adhering to more traditional English grammar rules, and is considered more formal.

Therefore, the corrected sentence is- It's important for him not to forget his roots despite his fame.

Additional Information

• Option 2 ("forgetting not") alters the tense and mood, suggesting a continuous or completed action, which doesn't correctly convey the imperative sense of the original sentence.
• Option 3 ("to not have forgotten") implies a focus on the past rather than an ongoing imperative to remember one's roots, changing the meaning slightly.

The correct answer is "three times".

Key Points

• "Three time" is incorrect because "time" is a singular noun and should be used with a singular verb.
• "Three-timing" is incorrect because it is not a standard phrase.
• "Three times" is the correct way to say "three instances of time."
• It is a common phrase that is used to indicate frequency.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 2".

Additional Information

• "Three of time" is incorrect because it is not a standard phrase.
• "Three times of" is also incorrect because it is not a standard phrase.

The correct answer is "couple of key issues to address".

Key Points

• The given sentence is incorrect because it is redundant. In the phrase 'address to', the 'to' is unnecessary. 'Address' is a transitive verb and does not require a preposition when it means 'deal with'.
• Therefore, the sentence should read, "The board has a couple of key issues to address."
• The verb 'address' properly signifies the need for the board to deal with these issues.
• The corrected sentence is more concise and avoids redundancy.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Additional Information

• 'Couple of key issues it has to address' still includes the unnecessary 'it has to'. The infinitive 'to address' is more concise and maintains the meaning.
• 'Couple of key issues needed to be addressed' changes the tense of the sentence unnecessarily.
• 'No improvement' is incorrect because the sentence as given includes redundancy.

The correct answer is "Careless"

Key Points

• Let's see the meanings of the given words-
  • Alert- quick to see, understand and act in a particular situation
    • Example- I'm not feeling very alert today - not enough sleep last night!
  • Aware- knowing that something exists, or having knowledge or experience of a particular thing
    • Example- Were you aware of the risks at the time?
  • Active- busy with a particular activity
    • Example- You have to try to keep active as you grow older.
  • Ready- prepared and suitable for fast activity
    • Example- Are you ready? Hurry up - we're late.
  • Careless- not taking or showing enough care and attention
    • Example- My son's teacher says that his work is often rather careless.
• Hence, according to the meanings of the given words, the correct answer is Option 4 i.e. Careless.

The correct answer is "with".

Key Points

• The phrase "study... with" is used to indicate studying in the company of someone else, suggesting collaboration or joint study sessions.
• The use of "with" in this context correctly denotes the idea of studying in the presence of, or alongside, another person, in this case, "him."
• Other prepositions such as “to,” “for,” and “near” do not carry the same meaning of collaboration or companionship in the context of studying.
• The sentence structure and meaning are clear and direct when using "with," which makes it the appropriate choice over the other options provided.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 4".

Additional Information

• “Study English to him” is incorrect because "to" typically indicates direction, purpose, or destination, which is not applicable here.
• “Study English for him” is also not suitable in this context, as "for" suggests doing something on behalf of someone else or for their benefit, rather than together with them.
• “Study English near him” might imply physical proximity but lacks the connotation of collaboration or joint activity in studying, making it less applicable to the intended meaning here.

The correct answer is 'Option (4) 'no article needed'.
Key Points

• No article is used with general concepts.
• Bamboo is mentioned in a general sense.
  • For example: Bamboo is a fast-growing and versatile plant.
• No specific bamboo is referred to.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'no article needed'.
Additional Information

• 'The' is used for specific items or concepts.
• 'A/an' imply a singular, non-specific item, not suitable for general terms like bamboo.
• For example:
  • He saw a snake in the forest.
  • Please come back within an hour.
  • He went to the flower market yesterday.

The correct answer is 'fast.'
Key Points

• In the given sentence, we must use the positive degree of the word "fast" as there is no comparison.
• Also, here we need the adverb "fast" to modify the verb "run."
• The word "fasted" is a verb and "fastly" is an incorrect word.
• Faster is a comparative degree of the adverb/adjective 'fast'.
• Therefore, they can be ruled out.
• The positive degree of the word "fast" is "fast."
• Hence, option 1 is the correct answer.​

​Correct sentence: It was wonderful to watch my children run fast to my car.

The correct answer is 'To use a lot of energy or effort​'.

Key Points

• The phrase "break sweat" is best expressed by the alternative 3) "To use a lot of energy or effort".(बहुत ऊर्जा या प्रयास उपयोग करना)
• "Break sweat" is an idiom used when someone is working very hard physically, to the point that they start to perspire or sweat.
• It can also be used metaphorically to refer to any situation requiring significant effort or hard work.

Therefore, the correct answer is: 'To use a lot of energy or effort'.

Additional Information

• Here are the meanings of all the alternatives in English and Hindi:
  • "To make a futile attempt" - To try to do something that has no chance of success (व्यर्थ प्रयास करना).
  • "To lie" - To say something that is not true (झूठ बोलना).
  • "To be caught stealing" - To be discovered or found out while taking something dishonestly (चोरी करते हुए पकड़ा जाना).

The correct answer is 'Option 4' i.e. 'Itinerant'.

Key Points

• The phrase "Travelling from place to place" refers to someone who moves around a lot, rather than staying in one place.
• The most suitable word that can substitute this phrase is: "Itinerant".
• It describes someone who travels from place to place, especially for work. (भ्रमण करने वाला)

Therefore, the correct answer is: 'Itinerant'.

Additional Information

• Let's look at the other options:
  • "Recluse" is a person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people.(वैरागी)
  • "Arcane" means understood by few; mysterious or secret.(गुप्त)
  • "Reverent" means feeling or showing deep and solemn respect.(आदरपूर्ण)

The correct answer is option 1, Jockey.

Key Points

• A jockey is a professional rider in horse racing who rides the horse during the race. They are responsible for guiding the horse and making strategic decisions during the race.
  • For example, famous jockeys include Frankie Dettori and Ruby Walsh.
• Option 2, Autocrat, is not related to horse racing. An autocrat is a ruler who has absolute power and authority.
• Option 3, Cellar, is also not related to horse racing. A cellar is a room or space below ground level, typically used for storage.
• Option 4, Horse Pilot, is not a commonly used term in horse racing. While a jockey can be seen as a pilot of sorts, this term is not widely used in the industry.
• Overall, the most appropriate one word for a professional rider in horse racing is Jockey.

• "I am give" is not grammatically correct. The correct structure is "I am giving".
• When describing continuous or ongoing actions, we use the present continuous tense, which requires the verb to be in the '-ing' form.
• The rest of the sentence is grammatically sound.

• "A speech on", "emerging economic dynamics", and "in the program" are all grammatically correct and maintain the original structure and meaning of the sentence.

The correct answer is 'to meeting'.

Key Points

• The given sentence is grammatically incorrect.
• The segment that contains a grammatical error is: "to meeting."
• Here, 'to meet' should be used instead of 'to meeting'.
• The error lies in the incorrect use of the infinitive form of the verb "to meet." In this context, the correct infinitive form should be used ("to meet") instead of "to meeting," which is not grammatically accurate in this sentence structure.
  

Correct Sentence: I visit my school once a year to meet my former teachers.

The correct answer is 'He is faster enough'.

Key Points

• The question involves identifying a grammatical error in the given sentence.
• The sentence is divided into parts, and we need to find the part that is grammatically incorrect.
• The first part of the sentence says 'He is faster enough', which is not grammatically correct.
• In English, we usually say someone is "fast enough" or "quick enough", not "faster enough".
• The adverb 'enough' modifies adjectives but it does not usually modify comparatives.
• So, the error lies in the first part of the sentence.
• 'To defeat' and 'the current record holder' are grammatically correct as they convey clear and specific meanings.
• 'To defeat' indicates the action that can be done because the person is 'fast enough', and 'The current record holder' identifies who the person can defeat.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

The correct answer is 'better'.

Key Points

• The issue in the initial sentence lies in the use of the phrase 'more better'.
• 'Better' is a comparative form of the word 'good' and it does not require 'more' to show comparison.
• The phrase 'more better' is considered redundant due to the double comparison.
• Therefore, the correct phrase to use here is 'Sophie is a much better runner than her brother.'

Therefore, the correct answer is ‘Option 1’.

Additional Information

• 'More good' is grammatically incorrect because 'good' is an adjective, and its comparative form is 'better', not 'more good'.
• 'More betterer' is also grammatically incorrect because 'betterer' is not a standard word.
• ‘No improvement’ is incorrect because the sentence, as it was initially written, was grammatically incorrect.

The correct answer is- 'Unwilling.' Key Points

• Let's understand the meaning of the given word:
• Reluctant is an adjective and it means not willing to do something.
  • Example: She was reluctant to admit that she was wrong.
• By the meaning and example, we can say that 'Unwilling' is a similar word for 'Reluctant.'

Hence option 4 is the correct answer. Additional Information

• Antonyms of the given word are:
  • Eager, Enthusiastic, Desirous
• Let's understand the meaning of the given options:
  • Unwilling - Not inclined toward
  • Eager - Impatient to do something
  • Enthusiastic - Showing great excitement and interest
  • Desirous - Having desire for something

• The most appropriate synonym of the given word 'Cajole' is '​Coax​'.
• Cajole: to persuade someone to do something they might not want to do, by pleasant talk and (sometimes false) promises (सुखद बातचीत और (कभी-कभी झूठे) वादों के द्वारा किसी को कुछ ऐसा करने के लिए राजी करना जो वे नहीं करना चाहते हैं)
  • Example: He really knows how to cajole people into doing what he wants.
• ​Coax: to persuade someone gently to do something or go somewhere, by being kind and patient, or by appearing to be (किसी को धीरे से कुछ करने या कहीं जाने के लिए, दयालु और धैर्यवान होकर, या दिखने के लिए राजी करना)
  • Example: Perhaps you could coax your father into taking you to the station.
• Therefore, as per the points mentioned above, we find that the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information Let's look at the meaning of other words:

• Stop: to finish doing something that you were doing (आप जो कुछ कर रहे थे उसे पूरा करने के लिए)
• Harass: to continue to annoy or upset someone over a period of time (किसी को लंबे समय तक परेशान या परेशान करना जारी रखना)
• Interfere: to involve yourself in a situation when your involvement is not wanted or is not helpful (ऐसी स्थिति में खुद को शामिल करने के लिए जब आपकी भागीदारी वांछित नहीं है या सहायक नहीं है)

The correct answer is publicize
Key Points

• The word promulgate (verb) generally means to make (an idea, belief, etc.) known to many people by open declaration; proclaim
  (विचार, विश्‍वास आदि को लोगों में प्रख्‍यात या प्रचारित करना)
  • ​Ex: The purpose of the documentary is to promulgate the importance of Indian customs and rituals.
• ​The marked option, publicize means, to bring to the attention of the public (प्रचारित करना)
  • Ex: The company neglected to publicize the risks involved in the investment.

​​Hence, publicize means the same as a promulgate.​
Therefore, the correct answer is option 3).
Additional Information

• Suppress: to stop something from being seen or known (किसी बात को प्रकट न होने देना, छिपा लेना)
• Withhold: to refuse to give something to somebody (देने से इनकार कर देना).
• Conceal: to hide something/somebody ((किसी से कुछ) छिपाना)

The correct answer is 'To completely change something.'
Key Points

• The meaning of the underlined idiom/phrase 'Turn topsy-turvy' is to be confused, or lacking organization; change completely, upside down.
• रेखांकित मुहावरे/वाक्यांश 'Turn topsy-turvy' का अर्थ है भ्रमित होना, या संगठन की कमी होना; पूरी तरह से बदलो, उल्टा।
  • Example: Things are so topsy-turvy at work these days.
• Therefore, the correct answer is 'To completely change something.'

Additional Information
Let us see some phrases/idioms:-

The correct answer is 'was seeing the child'.
Key Points

• The given sentence is grammatically incorrect.
• Here, 'saw' should be used instead of 'was seeing'.
• We know that when subordinating conjunction 'as soon as' is used in a sentence both the clauses in the sentence should be in the same tense.
  • Example: As soon as he received the telegram, he started.
• We use 'as soon as' to show that something happens immediately, i.e. 'at the very moment another action is completed', or 'shortly after another action is completed'.
• Therefore, as per the points mentioned above, we find that the correct answer is Option 1.

Correct Sentence: As soon as the bus driver saw the child crossing the road, he applied the brakes.
Hinglish

• दिया गया वाक्य व्याकरण की दृष्टि से गलत है।
• यहाँ 'was seeing' के स्थान पर 'saw' का प्रयोग होना चाहिए।
• हम जानते हैं कि जब एक वाक्य में 'as soon as' का प्रयोग किया जाता है तो वाक्य में दोनों clauses समान tense में होने चाहिए।
  • ​Example: As soon as he received the telegram, he started.
• हम 'as soon as' यह दिखाने के लिए उपयोग करते हैं कि कुछ तुरंत होता है, यानी 'उसी क्षण एक और क्रिया पूरी हो जाती है', या 'एक और कार्रवाई पूरी होने के तुरंत बाद'।
• इसलिए, ऊपर वर्णित बिंदुओं के अनुसार, हम पाते हैं कि सही उत्तर विकल्प 1 है।

The correct answer is 'has been adversely affected.'
Key Points

• The error lies in Part (has been adversely affected) of the sentence.
• The noun businesses is a plural noun.
• According to subject-verb agreement, it must take a plural verb.
• ​Therefore, the use of 'has been adversely affected' in the sentence should be replaced with 'have been adversely affected' to make it grammatically correct.
• Therefore, the correct answer is 'has been adversely affected.'
• ​Correct sentence: The Committee agreed that small businesses have been adversely affected by COVID19.

Additional Information

• We can use not … ever instead of never, but never is much more common.
  • Example: She has never been a friend of ours.

Hinglish

• त्रुटि वाक्य के Part (has been adversely affected) में निहित है।
• Noun businesses, plural संज्ञा है।
• Subject-verb agreement के अनुसार, इसे plural verb अवश्य लेनी चाहिए।
• इसलिए, वाक्य के 'has been adversely affected' का उपयोग 'have been adversely affected' के साथ प्रतिस्थापित किया जाना चाहिए, इसे व्याकरणिक रूप से सही बनाने के लिए।

The correct answer is Option 1 i.e. hardly believe.

Key Points

• The original sentence contains a double negative ("hardly not") which can cause confusion and is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English.
• "Hardly" already implies a negation, so adding "not" is redundant and changes the intended meaning of being surprised at how quickly time had passed.
• "Hardly believe" is the correct form, indicating that she found it difficult to comprehend the swift passage of time, without the redundant negation.

Therefore, the corrected sentence is- She could hardly believe how fast the time had flown.

Additional Information

• Option 2 ("believe not") does not fit grammatically within the sentence structure and alters the intended meaning.
• Option 3 ("not believe") removes the implication of difficulty or surprise which "hardly" provides.

The correct answer is 'well'.

Key Points

• The adverb "well" is used to describe how something is done or how something is.
• In this sentence, we are talking about how clearly the teacher explained the concept.
• Therefore, we need to use the adverb "well".
• The corrected sentence is: "The teacher explained the concept so clearly that everyone could understand it well."

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Additional Information

• The adverb "better" is used to compare two things or situations.
• The adverb "best" is used to describe the highest degree of something.
• The option "No improvement" is incorrect because the sentence is grammatically incorrect with "good".

The correct answer is 'any'.

Key Points

• Any means used to refer to one or some of a thing or a number of things, no matter how much or how many.
  • For example: Any person who comes in the store today is eligible for the discount.
• Few means a small number of.
• Little means a small amount of.
• A few means a small number of persons or things.
• By referring to the above explanation, it can be concluded that any should be the appropriate option to be chosen for filling the blank.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2.